Due to publicity in television shows, there is a higher level of awareness regarding hoarding. But don’t be alarmed, because hoarding disorder is not as extreme as it is painted in the media and it takes more than just a closet filled with unwanted items to make you or anyone you know a hoarder.

It may not be prevalent immediately, but hoarding has a negative effect on health, relationships, and quality of life, if left unaddressed.

What is Hoarding?
Hoarding is a behavioral disorder that is characterized by accumulation of items and the inability to throw them away even if they are of no use or too old and worn out. Hoarding normally manifests in older people, but early signs can be seen in adolescents.

Approximately 2% to 5% of the population suffers from hoarding disorder, approximately 3% more than people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Hoarders do not actually display or even use the items they hoard. They often feel ashamed of hoarding items that other people may deem as junk.

What are the Negative Effects of Hoarding?
Hoarding creates several problems such as reduction of quality of life. Too much junk impedes movement at home, harbours dangerous bacteria and diseases, and can be a fire hazard during extreme heat. Aside from these problems, hoarders often do not recognize that they have a problem. Getting rid of their stash of junk can make them depressed or anxious. This problem leads to further isolation and breakdown of relationships. Health is the next to fail once hoarders accumulate too many useless items that they stuff into rooms and can’t clean or tidy up rooms overflowing with junk.

How Can You Help a Hoarder?
If you have a friend or family member who is suffering from a hoarding disorder, don’t start an immediate overhaul and junk removal. A sudden change of atmosphere can lead to a relapse or put a hoarder further into depression. Wait for your friend or loved one to initiate the cleanout. Once he or she decides to get rid of the junk, start slow. You can start with the overflowing shed or cabinet then move to the junk-filled garage, attic, or basement until all of the junk has been removed from the property. Starting and moving slow in the junk removal process help ease your loved one into a normal way of life again.

You can seek help from a professional junk removal Cincinnati company to help you and your loved one in getting rid of junk and delivering them to recycling centers or charities. You may be surprised that calling a junk removal Cincinnati company can help you deal with the problem better since they may have extensive experience helping out other hoarders. Reach out to junk removal Cincinnati companies such as Junk King today and let us start together on the road to recovery.